How many jurors do you need for a guilty verdict?

The exact number varies under state and federal law. Generally, a criminal trial requires a minimum of 5 or 6 jurors. In most cases where capital punishment is a possibility, a statute will require a minimum of 12 jurors.

When do civil jury trials start in New Jersey?

The first phase of civil jury trials will resume in Atlantic, Cape May, Cumberland, Gloucester, Salem, Monmouth, Passaic and Union counties, according to the order. Initially, trials will involve a single plaintiff and a single defendant and focus on a “limited number of issues” that are in dispute, the order said.

When do civil jury trials no longer require consent?

At that point, consent from both parties will no longer be required to go forward with the virtual trials, the order said. The order goes on to detail how trials will be conducted, explaining that pretrial conferences will decided who will be present in a courtroom and who will attend via remote means.

Why was civil jury trial suspended in NJ?

The announcement comes less than two months after New Jersey suspended criminal and civil jury trials along with in-person grand jury proceedings due to the surge in cases of the coronavirus.

How are alternate jurors selected in virtual jury trials?

The order also directs judges to be more lenient in allowing attorneys to participate during virtual voir dire, the preliminary examination of a witness or a juror by a a judge or attorney. As with all trials, alternate jurors will be selected, the order said.

Can a civil case be decided by a jury?

In a criminal case, per Rule 23, either party may demand a jury trial (and the defendant usually does). A civil case, however, is often decided by a “bench” (judge) trial.

How often do civil cases go to trial?

More than 95% of civil cases in both state and federal courts, and more than 95% federal criminal cases are resolved by default, dismissal on motion, voluntary dismissal, or settlement before trial. About 80%-90% of state criminal cases are plea bargained and therefore do not go to trial.

What should I expect at a jury trial?

Attorney conference with Judge. Typically, the Judge will want to confirm with both attorneys before starting a trial to result in last-minute motions and/or to alert the judge as to any special or unique legal issues that can be expected to arise during the trial of the case.

Is there a right to a jury trial in a contract case?

There is a right to a jury trial in contract cases (although many contracts contain pre-dispute waivers of the right to a jury trial), but it is much less common for either party to demand a jury trial in a breach of contract case that does not involve fraud than it is in tort or civil rights cases are involved.